Can you visit Glénay castle?

No, it is a private estate currently closed to the public.

Is Glénay castle connected to Cardinal Richelieu?

Yes, the estate belonged to the Vignerot de Pontcourlay family, related to the cardinal, who stayed there in the early 1610s.

Where can the castle's tomb effigies be seen?

The effigies of René de Vignerot and Françoise du Plessis are kept in the village church of Glénay, not in the castle itself.

How old is Glénay castle?

The current building dates mainly from the late 15th century, built on 12th-century foundations.

Is Glénay castle a protected monument?

Yes, parts of it were listed and classified as historic monuments in 1995, 2000 and 2018.

Château de Glénay

Glénay Castle

Glénay

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Where: Glénay

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Exposition - Oscar Bernaud et Nathaël AyraultMon, Nov 9 · château de Sanzay18 km

Château de Glénay stands in Glénay (Deux-Sèvres), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 15th century, first quarter of the 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Glénay castle overlooks a ford on the Thouaret river in the Deux-Sèvres region, built at the turning point between the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its seigneurial hall, six-storey polygonal tower and fortified chapel bear witness to successive rebuildings after the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. The estate belonged in turn to the Beaumont, Saint-Gelais de Lusignan and Vignerot de Pontcourlay families, the latter being related to Cardinal Richelieu, who stayed there. As a private property, the castle is currently not open to visitors.

Written from Château de Glénay

What to know

The castle is privately owned and is not currently open for visits.
The building is undergoing restoration work on its floors, roof frame and slate covering.
The effigies of René de Vignerot and his wife Françoise du Plessis are kept in the village church, not inside the castle.
The estate includes a listed dovecote and remains of outbuildings, a fish pond and farmyards, all protected as historic monuments.
There are no visiting hours or admission fees, as the monument is closed to the public.

Where this château is

Glénay · Deux-Sèvres · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Glénay

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

79330 Glénay

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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4.3 / 5from 23 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00135590
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 15th century, first quarter of the 16th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you visit Glénay castle?: No, it is a private estate currently closed to the public.
Is Glénay castle connected to Cardinal Richelieu?: Yes, the estate belonged to the Vignerot de Pontcourlay family, related to the cardinal, who stayed there in the early 1610s.
Where can the castle's tomb effigies be seen?: The effigies of René de Vignerot and Françoise du Plessis are kept in the village church of Glénay, not in the castle itself.
How old is Glénay castle?: The current building dates mainly from the late 15th century, built on 12th-century foundations.
Is Glénay castle a protected monument?: Yes, parts of it were listed and classified as historic monuments in 1995, 2000 and 2018.